Smith's Bible Dictionary

Smith, William

A classic reference, this comprehensive Bible dictionary provides a wealth of basic background information. It includes more than 400 illustrations and special articles in addition to page after page of basic information.

Altar

Altar. The first altar of which we have any account is that built by Noah when he left the ark. Gen. 8:20. In the early times altars were usually built in certain spots hallowed by religious associations, e.g., where God appeared. Gen. 12:7; 13:18; 26:25; 35:1. Though generally erected for the offering of sacrifice, in some instances they appear to have been only memorials. Gen. 12:7; Ex. 17:15, 16. Altars were most probably originally made of earth. The law of Moses allowed them to be made of either earth or unhewn stones. Ex. 20:24, 25.

Altar.

I. The Altar of Burnt Offering. It differed in construction at different times. (1) In the tabernacle, Ex. 27:1 ff.; 38:1 ff., it was comparatively small and portable. In shape it was square. It was five cubits in length, the same in breadth, and three cubits high. It was made of planks of shittim (or acacia) wood overlaid with brass. The interior was hollow. Ex. 27:8. At the four corners were four projections called horns, made, like the altar itself, of shittim wood overlaid with brass, Ex. 27:2, and to them the victim was bound when about to be sacrificed. Ps. 118:27. Round the altar, midway between the top and bottom, ran a projecting ledge, on which perhaps the priest stood when officiating. To the outer edge of this, again, a grating or network of brass was affixed, and reached to the bottom of the altar. At the four corners of the network were four brazen rings, into which were inserted the staves by which the altar was carried. These staves were of the same materials as the altar itself. As the priests were forbidden to ascend the altar by steps, Ex. 20:26, it has been conjectured that a slope of earth led gradually up to the ledge from which they officiated. The place of the altar was at “the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.” Ex. 40:29. (2) In Solomon’s temple the altar was considerably larger in its dimensions. It differed too in the material of which it was made, being entirely of brass. 1 Kings 8:64; 2 Chron. 7:7. It had no grating, and instead of a single gradual slope, the ascent to it was probably made by three successive platforms, to each of which it has been supposed that steps led. The altar erected by Herod in front of the temple was 15 cubits in height and 50 cubits in length and breadth. According to Lev. 6:12, 13, a perpetual fire was to be kept burning on the altar.

II. The Altar of Incense, called also the golden altar to distinguish it from the altar of burnt offering, which was called the brazen altar. Ex. 38:30. (a) That in the tabernacle was made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold. In shape it was square, being a cubit in length and breadth and two cubits in height. Like the altar of burnt offering it had horns at the four corners, which were of one piece with the rest of the altar. This altar stood in the holy place, “before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony.” Ex. 30:6; 40:5. (b) The altar of Solomon’s temple was similar, 1 Kings 7:48; 1 Chron. 28:18, but was made of cedar overlaid with gold.

III. Other Altars. In Acts 17:23 reference is made to an altar to an unknown god. There were several altars in Athens with this inscription, erected during the time of a plague, since they knew not what god was offended and required to be propitiated.